MRI LUMBAR / LUMBOSACRAL SPINE WITH CONTRAST
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
Not specified
Measures
No description available
Identifies
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About The Test
Quick Facts
- Scan time: 30–45 minutes
- Contrast: Gadolinium-based dye delivered via IV line
- Report availability: Same-day digital access at Cadabams
Who Benefits Most
- Adults with persistent lower-back pain or sciatica
- Patients needing post-surgery follow-up
- Anyone suspected of infection, tumor, or inflammation in the spine
List of Parameters
- Disc herniation size & exact location
- Nerve root compression or displacement
- Inflammatory enhancement around discs or nerves
- Tumor size, borders, and enhancement pattern
- Post-surgical scar vs. recurrent disc
Why This Test
- Early detection of cauda equina syndrome—a surgical emergency
- Precision mapping before spinal injections or minimally invasive surgery
- Treatment monitoring after surgery or chemotherapy
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Ultra-high-resolution soft-tissue detail
- Guides targeted therapy—no guesswork
- Same-day digital reports accessible from your phone
- Sub-specialty radiologists at Cadabams review every scan
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Lumbar / Lumbosacral Spine with Contrast
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spinal tumors (benign & malignant)
- Infections—discitis, osteomyelitis
- Arachnoiditis or post-operative scarring
Preparing for test
- Fast 4 hours before scan (clear fluids allowed)
- Inform us if pregnant, breast-feeding, or diabetic
- Remove all metal: jewelry, hairpins, hearing aids
- Wear loose cotton clothing or change into our gown
Pre-requisites
- Recent creatinine report (within 30 days) showing eGFR ≥ 30
- Completed allergy history form at Cadabams front desk
Best Time to Take the Test
- Early morning slots preferred for diabetic patients to shorten fasting
- After physician consultation to ensure contrast is necessary
Eligibility
- Adults ≥ 18 years
- Children need sedation assessment by our pediatric team
- Weight limit: up to 150 kg (higher on open MRI)
Procedure for Taking the MRI
- Check-in & paperwork (10 min)
- IV line insertion by trained technologist
- Lie on scanner table—cushions and headphones provided
- Contrast injection halfway through scan
- 30–45 min total—you’ll hear knocking sounds; stay still
- Post-scan observation for 10 min, then go home
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Discuss kidney health and claustrophobia with our technician
- Sedation option: mild oral relaxant arranged on request
- Bring a companion if you anticipate needing help post-sedation
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Column 2 | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Disc Herniation | Disc protrudes > 5 mm | May compress nerve root |
| Nerve root enhancement | Bright after contrast | Active inflammation or scarring |
| Tumor enhancement | Focal mass, avid uptake | Needs biopsy or staging |
| Post-surgical scar | Linear enhancement | Differentiate from new herniation |
| Nerve Root Appearance | Assessment for thickening, displacement, clumping (as in arachnoiditis), or enhancement of nerve roots after contrast administration. | Suggests nerve root irritation, inflammation (neuritis), or compression. Enhancement points to an active inflammatory process or sometimes tumor involvement. |
| Spinal Cord (Conus Medullaris) Abnormality | Though the main spinal cord ends higher, the conus medullaris (terminal end) and cauda equina are assessed. Findings might include intrinsic cord lesions (e.g., tumor, syrinx, demyelination if affecting the conus) or compression/displacement. | Abnormalities in this region can cause significant neurological deficits, including bowel/bladder dysfunction and leg weakness. Contrast is vital for assessing tumors or inflammatory lesions. |
| Post-operative Findings | In patients who have had previous spinal surgery, common findings include scar tissue (epidural fibrosis), recurrent or residual disc herniation, evidence of fusion, or hardware-related issues. | Contrast is crucial to differentiate enhancing scar tissue (which typically takes up contrast) from non-enhancing or peripherally enhancing recurrent disc herniation. This helps determine the cause of persistent or new symptoms after surgery. |
Risks & Limitations
Gadolinium Safety
- Allergy: Rare (1 in 10,000), but tell us about prior reactions
- Kidney function: eGFR ≥ 30 required to avoid nephrogenic issues
Other Considerations
- Claustrophobia: Open MRI or mild sedation available
- Metal implants: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, or shrapnel may be contraindicated
FAQs
Is the contrast dye safe?
Yes. Gadolinium is FDA-approved and eliminated through kidneys within 24 hours. Serious reactions are rare.
How long does the scan take?
30–45 minutes total, including set-up and brief post-scan monitoring.
When will I get my report?
Same day by 6 p.m. for scans completed before 2 p.m. Later scans reported next morning.
Can I drive home after the scan?
Yes, unless you took sedation. In that case, arrange a driver.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
Ask for our open MRI or request mild sedation when booking.
Is MRI Lumbar Spine with Contrast safe if I have kidney problems?
The safety depends on the severity of your kidney problems. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. If you have mild to moderate kidney disease, the scan may still be performed safely, but if you have severe kidney disease (e.g., an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m² or are on dialysis), the use of contrast is generally avoided due to the risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). It is absolutely essential to inform the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics about any history of kidney problems. Your kidney function will likely be tested before administering contrast if there's any concern.